"Sam, you can't be serious." Being forced to spend the next few days with Baby Alpha was just cruel.

Jacob had spent over a week in wolf form after his obsession drove off to honeymoon with her long-dead warden., running all over God's green earth, pitying himself over his failure to get the girl despite being told repeatedly that she didn't want him. Jacob's attitude and Paul's antagonistic nature left them bickering constantly since Jacob returned. They'd already fought, several times, with claws, teeth, and fists.

Per usual, Sam treated Jacob with kid gloves, and it pissed him off. You didn't see Paul Lahote running off like a little fucking crybaby just because his imprint told him to kick rocks.

"I am serious!" Sam barked.

"This is stupid." Paul ignored the anger on Sam's face, refusing to meet his gaze. "We'll kill each other before morning."

Sam scoffed. "No, you won't. You and Jacob may not fight one another. Alpha's orders! He's already received the same order."

Paul shook as his wolf snapped at Sam, incensed. His and Jacob's wolves didn't get along much better than the men. Paul's wolf accepted being Jacob's subordinate in battle, but it did nothing to calm Paul's dominant nature in daily life, regardless of rank. Then again, Paul had never taken kindly to authority. His now-sealed criminal record was proof enough of that.

He yelled, "I don't know what in Hell you're punishing me for! I'm not the one who ran off to cry over a fucking leech-lover. Jacob's disregard for the rest of us is going to get somebody killed one day, and you know it! "

"I'm not punishing you, Paul." Sam rolled his eyes. "The fact is, you and Jacob need to learn how to get along. You already understand each other, if you'd take the time to fucking think about it!"

"We are nothing alike," Paul insisted, turning his back on his Alpha as he strode away.

"I beg to fucking differ! You're both assholes!"

"At least I admit I'm an asshole instead of blaming everyone else for my fucking problems. And you know he pisses me off on purpose."

"Like you don't goad him on, Paul. Your mouth writes more checks than your ass can cash sometimes."

"At least I don't leave my bullshit for others to clean up."

Sam sighed. Paul was right, and he knew it.

"The next three fucking days are a complete waste of time. You'll see." Paul phased into his wolf and stormed off, uncaring what else Sam might have to say.

Three days with Jacob fucking Black up my ass. Way to cramp a guy's style. Paul had every intention of going out that weekend. He wanted to get plastered, laid, and demolish a buffet somewhere - and not necessarily in that order. Focusing on his baser needs helped him cope, however. It was what the wolf needed to keep his aggravation at bay.

Paul couldn't deny he felt bitter about his imprint rejecting him, but at least she'd had the decency to tell him he was free to do as he pleased. Of course, that was under the stipulation that he stayed away from her. He was used to being unwanted - by family and peers. It made sense that the woman destined to be his soulmate didn't want forever with him. Paul found his comfort in whoever took his fancy long before Rachel appeared, and with her permission, he fucked whoever he wanted. Sex was the only thing that took the pain away entirely, if only for a few hours.

In all honesty, Paul was fine with being alone. He was an asshole, through and through, and the inside of his head was a dark place. Paul didn't want marriage or kids. He never wanted a serious relationship either, unsure one person could be everything he needed emotionally or sexually. He couldn't deny that Rachel deserved better any more than he could deny his bitterness.

Love was fucking stupid, and Paul didn't want it. He certainly didn't want to spend the next three days putting up with his estranged imprint's baby brother.

"I think it's a good idea," Billy grumbled. Jacob rolled his eyes, dismissing his father's much wiser opinion.

"I think it's terrible," Rachel said, her back to them as she stirred something on the stove.

Jacob sniffed and immediately regretted it. Whatever she's making flat-out stinks. What is that?

A scrape of tearing metal and a pop filled the air as Rachel pulled the tab to a large diced chicken can. She dumped the entire contents into the pot and Jacob gagged. God, he missed Bella's cooking.

"We know why you think it's a bad idea," Jacob grumbled. "And I don't blame you for it. Paul's a prick."

"I think you have more in common than you think, Jacob," Billy said.

Jacob's smirk looked more like a snarl."Yeah. Sam said that too, but I call bullshit ."

"I don't. I'd gladly sit here and point everything out to you, but that would take me all day. Now, find something for the two of you to do for three days, because you will figure out how to tolerate one another. It's high time you learn your place, my boy!"

Jacob stood and headed toward the door. "My only place, for now, is destroying, murdering Bloodsuckers, and mourning the girl I've been in love with since I could count. Learning to play nice with Paul won't change any of that."

Jacob slammed the door behind him harder than intended and cringed at the sound of wood splintering. He looked up at the cloud-covered sky and sighed. He'd fix it later. For now, he had to waste three days putting up with Lahote.

Paul never expected to take the reins in their current situation. He was so used to Jacob being favored that he'd assumed Baby Alpha would want to call the shots for the next three days. Instead, Jacob surprised him by admitting he did not know what they possibly had in common, and that they could do whatever the hell Paul felt like. From the agitation rolling off Jacob in waves, Paul could tell Jacob hoped it would include a fight.

"I'll be your reluctant tag-along for the night. Maybe Dad's right and I'll understand you better come tomorrow."

Hmm. Maybe the next few days didn't have to be as shitty as I thought.

Paul said, "Well, you better go home and find something nicer to wear. If we're going to do what I want, we're sticking to my original plans."

Jacob frowned, immediately suspicious. "And what would that be?"

Paul scoffed. "What I do best, Black. Drinking, food, fighting, and fucking, if I'm lucky ."

"You're serious?"

"As a heart attack. Don't take this wrong, Jake… but you need to get some action. Your brain might be a teen, but the warrior inside you and your body is a fully grown fucking man, and I know Swan wasn't putting out."

Jacob growled at the comment, making Paul chuckle. Surprising himself as much as Jacob, Paul said, " Look. Do you truthfully want to get to know me better? You'll be my Alpha and have access to all my secrets one day, so you might as well experience the shit you're gonna see. Who knows? Maybe you'll meet someone tonight and forget all about Swan."

Jacob scoffed. "You mean the shit you do so you don't have to think about my sister ?"

Paul turned to glare at Jacob. "I was doing the shit I did long before your sister. She's better off without me."

Frowning, Jacob said, "For once, we agree."

Paul bit his tongue, but it took everything he had. They parted ways, returning to their homes to shower and dress for a night out on the town. Paul would pick Jacob up within the hour.

As he dressed for the night, Paul made a decision. Jacob needed a wingman; someone to push him toward moving on. They might not walk away friends in the next three days, but a little lovin' would do them both a world of good.

"I told you this was a bad idea," Rachel said as Paul's truck horn blared outside. Jacob stopped the dryer to grab his dress shirt as she continued, "I don't want his influence on you, Jacob."

"I'm well aware and practically the polar opposite of him, Rach. Worry about your own life."

Rachel scowled at him as Jacob closed the last button on his shirt. Paul honked again when Jacob bent down to tie his boots. He shoved his wallet into his back jeans pocket and stomped toward the door.

"Impatient prick."

"Have fun," Billy grumbled as the screen door clapped behind him.

"We'll see," Jacob muttered as he ran toward Paul's truck. Climbing into the passenger seat, he asked, "Really? You couldn't knock on the door like a normal person?"

Paul snorted. "I ain't your fucking date, Black ." He peeled out onto the road as Jacob shut the passenger door and headed toward the highway.

Jacob was glad they were nearly indestructible. Paul drove like a maniac. They reached their destination far sooner than they should have, and for the first time in his life, Jacob was grateful to be out of a fast car, standing still. He took a few calming breaths as he followed Paul into the restaurant.

Almost immediately upon sitting, Paul said, "I need two of the usual order and beer, Jenna. You know the deal, Keep 'Em coming."

The hostess grinned affectionately, surprising Jacob as she rushed to fulfill his request. "What's the usual?"

"Trust me. You'll see. Let's just say I come here often enough, they know what to do. The chef will be surprised I ordered two, though. I thought about a buffet I like, but trust me. This place is worth it."

Jacob shook his head, unused to Paul being so outgoing and calm.

The hostess returned with two beers in each hand and placed them on the table. Paul grinned up at her and winked. She sighed like a lovesick teenager as she returned to her podium near the door.

"Have you…"

"Fucked her? No. Jenna's too sweet. You should never shit where you eat, Black."

As Paul chugged his beer, Jacob said, "I'll keep that in mind."

Within ten minutes, two servers delivered two-inch thick steaks the size of dinner plates topped with sauteed shrimp, onions, and peppers. Next came a large platter of stuffed mushrooms, loaded baked potatoes with an obscene amount of bacon, green beans (with more bacon), and a large bowl of fresh yeast rolls.

The dripping blood sizzling into the cast-iron platters made Jacob's mouth water. He met Paul's amused gaze and shook his head. "Holy shit."

"If we finish everything, it's half price." Paul tapped Jacob's beer with his own.

"Even better!" Jacob grinned as he reached for his silverware.

Demolishing everything in sight was no obstacle for the wolves, and the chef came out to greet Paul's companion in disbelief. They finished their beers as they chatted with the chef, and it surprised Jacob to realize he was having a good time.

Maybe he'd be able to tolerate Paul after all.

Paul was glad a hearty meal seemed to mellow Jacob considerably. Frankly, it wasn't surprising. Hungry wolves were always anxious, and Paul already knew Rachel couldn't cook for shit. Jacob was looking half-starved without Bella to take care of him.

Turning on his charm, Paul grinned as he slid a fifty-dollar tip into the chef's breast pocket and winked at him. It was far more than he'd usually tip anyone, but his ravenous appetite meant eating here saved him money. It would cost him triple to make the same meal at home. It seemed only fair to tip the hand that fed him so well.

Jacob observed curiously as the chef sputtered 'thanks' and walked away, blushing. Paul chuckled as he watched him return to the kitchen.

He smirked in disbelief. "Paul? Did you… just flirt with the chef?"

"I flirt with everyone but you," Paul teased, refusing to meet Jacob's eyes. Who or what attracted Paul was none of Baby Alpha's business. They and their brothers were comfortable in their nudity around each other, and he preferred to keep it that way. Paul wasn't interested in his packmates.

Jacob teased, "I wouldn't have pictured the guy as your type."

Paul finally locked eyes with Jacob, silently daring him to push the subject. "I don't have a 'type.' I like what I like, and I flirt with anyone. It's just part of my irresistible charm."

Jacob snickered as Paul drained the rest of his beer and stood. "Come on, Black. We have somewhere to go."

Paul told Jacob to straighten his shirt while checking his hair in his truck's side mirror. He felt pretty good now that the six beers he'd downed at the restaurant kicked in.

Jacob snorted. "I can't believe you're primping right now. Back home, you're all holy shorts and blackened bare feet."

Paul laughed as he stood straight and turned toward Jacob. He grabbed the front of Jacob's shirt and tugged the seam straight before smoothing the front and sides. Jacob gaped in disbelief over the feeling of Paul's hands running down his torso.

"If you look good enough at this place, they'll let you right in," Paul explained, laughing at Jacob's bewildered face. "And trust me, you look good enough."

Incredulous, Jacob felt his ears turn pink over the compliment as he said, "Um.. thanks?"

Paul shook his head. Close in age or not, they were Light Years apart in maturity. Jacob was far too innocent for Paul to corrupt like this, but he planned to try his best. "Come on, Dickhead. Let's find you something pretty to play with."

As they approached the entrance, Jacob asked, "Is this a strip club?"

Paul snorted. "No way. You're not ready for that ."

Jacob hissed, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Paul stopped and sighed. "Would you be comfortable with a stranger grinding her ass crack against your face right now?"

Jacob's jaw dropped then quickly snapped shut. It was such a 'Bella' mannerism Paul guffawed. "I didn't think so. Maybe next time Let's see how you handle a club first."

Paul chuckled and pushed Jacob toward the door. He quickly schooled his features, raising his fist to bump it with the bouncer, who gave Paul a hard slap on his back before opening the door to usher him and Jacob inside while patrons in line complained.

The bouncer teased, "How 'bout you help toss 'em out instead of starting 'em up for once?"

Paul cackled and patted the man's shoulder. "Where's the fun in that?"

Dancers parted as Paul and Jacob walked through the crowd toward the bar. Paul was used to the mixture of attraction and intimidation he provoked in crowds like this. Jacob - frequently isolated to the reservation - was entirely out of his element. Dazed, he sat at a bar stool beside Paul and glanced around the crowd.

Paul caught Jacob's attention as he placed his order with the bartender, requesting a specific drink for the DJ.

Confused, Jacob asked. "Why did you do that?"

Paul chuckled as the bartender handed Jacob a beer. "You'll see."

They watched the crowd of dancers as the song finished. Suddenly everything in the building changed as a few lights went out. The music shifted, mellowing out somewhat, inviting more dancers to the floor.

Paul often swam among the sea of strangers here, letting the trance-like sounds and movement take over. The mass of touching bodies, of senseless, instinctual flow lulled his excess, angry energy like a drug. The alcohol played a minor role in that - or the occasional fight he joined in, depending on his mood. Either way, this place soothed him somehow.

It took weeks before he was easily allowed inside without question and the staff knew him by name. Paul felt at home here. Jacob had no clue how privileged he was to be here without waiting in line (or allowed in at all).

Leaning toward Paul, Jacob asked, "Do you dance?"

"All the time. Just work your way out there. I promise a chick will find you to dance with. They always do." It wasn't hard. The female-to-male ratio was presumably ten to one. "Come on."

Paul dragged Jacob out onto the floor, immediately sliding up to a familiar petite blonde and winking at Jacob as he gently hip-checked her. A second later, the girl gaped into Paul's face, grinning in recognition as she began dancing with him. Paul took her hand and spun her around as he glanced toward Jacob.

Two girls had already saddled up to him, urging Jacob to dance with them. Flushed, he reluctantly moved.

"Just relax, bro," Paul encouraged, knowing Jacob could hear him despite the thundering music surrounding them.

Paul focused on his dancing partner for a few minutes before checking on his packmate. It surprised him to see Jacob dancing with a third woman, looking at ease, sensual as he moved with her. He was possibly a better dancer than Paul, and for a moment, Paul couldn't look away, wondering what Sparkle Ginger had that Bella wanted more than Jacob.

Clearly, the bitch didn't have eyes. The chick Jacob danced with wasn't half bad, either.

Jacob looked up then and smirked as he met Paul's gaze and the woman he danced with ground her ass against his crotch. For a split second, Paul was unsure if the heated look behind Jacob's eyes was for her… or him.

He shook the thought away and refocused on the blonde beside him.

Later the next morning, when Paul dropped Jacob off at home, he asked, "Did you have a good time?"

Jacob yawned as he climbed out of the truck. He'd slept most of the way home. "Yeah. I did. Did I cramp your style?"

"Not at all." Paul laughed. After a brief, awkward silence, he asked, "Wanna go tonight? They play rock and metal on Saturday nights. There are always goth chicks and cage dancers. We can hit that buffet I mentioned yesterday. Crab legs."

Jacob laughed. That was his kind of night. "Count me in."

"You know, Black. We might get along after all."

"Don't tell anybody. They'll make us stay home and patrol," Jacob grumbled.

Paul cackled as Jacob shut the passenger door and walked toward his house.

Jacob was content while genuinely enjoying Paul's company for the second night in a row. His pack mate was less annoying away from the others, behaving less like he had something to prove. Although Jacob was happy to experience this different side of Paul, he became curious to learn what else he'd never known about him… and what else he might learn from him.

Already, Jacob was learning to feel more comfortable in his skin and exude more confidence under Paul's influence. He wondered if his sunnier, cautious nature would similarly teach Paul a little patience. The other male had been far less cocky, abrupt, or demanding than accustomed to the last two evenings, despite effortlessly evoking charm and a slightly threatening aura that seemed to follow wherever Paul went. He wondered if the Alpha order played a part in their sudden camaraderie. Jacob chose to just appreciate the peace instead of questioning it any further.

The more Jacob drank, danced, and ground amongst the scores of other dancers that night, the more he caught himself looking for Paul. Occasionally, their eyes would meet, finding the other staring back. Their bodies pressed against others but both with fire behind their eyes. It almost felt like they were feeding off each other as much as the lust-tainted trance-like vibrations of the people they danced with. It was slightly disorienting. Jacob understood affection but this unexpected lust was a different ballgame.

It surprised Jacob when he spotted Paul grinding between a curvaceous doe-eyed woman and her boyfriend. The sun-tanned dark-haired male was closer to Jacob's size and build. For a moment, he couldn't help but wonder if he looked the same dancing near Paul.

Jacob's stupor lasted two seconds as Paul glanced over with, 'I dare you to say something' written all over his face. Unsure what else to do, Jacob grinned and winked before giving his current dance partner his attention.

Jacob heard Paul's laugh over a growling Maria Brink and felt his ears turning pink, but wasn't sure why.

Paul was getting a little uneasy. That Jacob's eyes repeatedly met his wasn't an issue. It was the blatant interest on Jacob's face that confused him. He was unsure Jacob had a single clue how obvious he was, but his partners only received his partial attention - some more than others. They had that in common.

When the couple approached Paul and started dancing with him, the music had thoroughly distracted him. Paul had a good buzz going and was entirely in his element. He was facing the female, her boyfriend's chest pressed against his back as he glanced over - directly at Jacob, who dropped his jaw and nearly stopped dancing altogether while watching the other man's hands sliding over Paul's chest.

In an instant, Paul could see several questions in Jacob's eyes, and the sudden recognition of his surroundings almost startled him. He glared back at Jacob, anticipating his judgment. To his surprise, Jacob fucking winked at him, wearing the cockiest grin Paul had ever seen on the smug bastard's face.

And it was hot, no lie. Which was weird as Hell for Paul since Jacob was his future Alpha and imprint's brother. Not to mention, he couldn't stand the guy two fucking days ago. They both had ruefully agreed at dinner that they might be more alike than they once thought - right before Paul finished an entire pan of crab legs and they were kicked out of the buffet.

The hard male form still dancing behind him only emphasized the one Paul was now staring at as he tried to analyze every look and feeling over the prior thirty seconds. The last thing Paul needed was to become attracted to Baby Black. Talk about one complicated mess.

As the following song ended, the DJ announced noise complaints prompted local cops to shut them down for the night. The female finally pulled away from Paul as her boyfriend whispered into his ear, inviting him home with them. Paul chuckled as he shook his head no and pointed at Jacob. No other explanation seemed needed as the couple grinned at each other, shrugged, and walked away. Paul wanted to curse the curious look on Jacob's face as he walked toward him.

"Did they just try to take you home?"

Paul laughed and reached into his pocket to check his phone. "It's barely midnight."

Jacob frowned. "Where do you wanna go?"

Paul was in no hurry to get home. Nothing waited for him there but a cold bed. "Come on. I have an idea."

An hour and a few beers later, Paul and Jacob lay side by side in his truck bed, perfectly content to continue star-gazing while feeding their buzz. When Jacob couldn't get the memory of Paul dancing between the couple out of his head, he chose his words carefully before breaking their peaceful silence.

"So, did you enjoy this weekend?"

Paul laughed. "Yeah. I didn't get to fight or fuck anybody, but food and beer are good enough sometimes. Depends on the company, I guess."

Jacob chuckled. "Wow, was that a compliment?"

Paul teased, "Actually, I was thinking about the dancers, but …"

" Ah-ha, " Jacob crowed, laughing. "I see. Probably the last ones, I bet."

Paul glared at Jacob suspiciously. Ignoring it, Jacob asked, "Would you have gone home with them if I wasn't tagging along?"

Paul shrugged. "Maybe. Depends on what they're into, I guess. I have some standards. What about you ?"

"What about me?"

"If they'd invited you home, would you have gone?" Paul chuckled as Jacob shook his head, embarrassed.

"No. I don't think so." He frowned, seeming to contemplate it. "Can't say I've ever been interested in… that. Then again, I'd never thought about it before…" he sighed. "I didn't think you were into that, though."

"It's… purely physical."

"Purely physical," Jacob repeated skeptically.

"Yeah. You know, the wolf doesn't care about that shit. The wolf craves touch and affection, especially from its pack. But, sexually…? An outlet is an outlet."

"So it doesn't matter if that outlet is another male?"

Paul chuckled. "Nope. Not for me, at least. There has to be attraction there, though. Like I said, I have some standards… you know, if you repeat any of this shit, I might have to kick your ass."

Jacob nodded. "Yeah, I figured the others don't know.".

"I think you should tell me something," Paul said, nudging him. "Even shit out a little here."

Jacob snorted. "What's there to tell? I haven't done shit. Hell, the only person I've kissed is Bells."

"Yeah," Paul scoffed, "I remember watching through Seth's eyes and your memory. All teeth and stiff lips. Bella can't kiss for shit."

Jacob snorted. "Well, my pressuring her into it didn't help. I was an idiot."

"Yeah, you were. It's about time for you to kiss somebody that knows what they're doing."

Jacob tensed beside him and Paul looked toward him skeptically before laughing. "Wasn't talkin' about me, Jake."

"Didn't think you were," Jacob muttered, recalling Paul's strangely heated glances at the club.

Paul turned to his side, facing Jacob with a grunt as his shoulder dug into the truck bed. "Are you sure about that? Sounds like you're getting a little weird on me over there."

That was the last shit either of them needed.

"I'm not getting weird," Jacob chuckled nervously, knowing his packmate could practically smell the lie. Without thinking, he teased, "Sure you don't just wanna kiss me because me and Rachel look alike?"

"Don't talk to me about your sister." Strangely calm about the topic for once, Paul rolled to his back and asked, "How about this? You don't mention Rach, and I'll try to keep from dissing Swan. Deal?"

Jacob scoffed. "Honestly, the only thing I have to say about Rach is that, at least, you don't have to worry about her turning into a bloodsucker and becoming your mortal enemy."

Paul choked out a bitter laugh as he sat up. "At least when Bella's heart stops yours won't stop with it. I don't even want to be tied to Rachel, but if something happens to her, I get to die too. How is that fucking fair?"

"It's not," Jacob said firmly, sitting upright beside Paul, who reached for a new beer. "And I know you think I don't want Rachel with you, but I hate it for you, too. Because you're right. It's not fucking fair. Just like it's not fair that I've put everything into someone that sees me as a brother. Devoted every spare second of the last six months to keep her healthy and functioning, and she… runs back to the guy that broke her ."

"It's bullshit." Paul nodded. "You're not a bad guy, Jacob. You deserve better than that shit."

"Thanks," Jacob muttered.

"You're welcome. Still, it would help if you experienced how different it is. Wolves get fucking lonely, man."

"I guess it would be nice to get kissed by someone who knows what the hell they're doing," Jacob said, chuckling.

Paul stared at Jacob's side profile, wondering if it was the alcohol, the longing in Jacob's tone, or the heat-filled stares he'd given Paul half the night. Either way, he suddenly contemplated showing Jacob precisely how someone was supposed to be kissed. He sighed, aware that acting impulsively would be asking for trouble, especially when he could practically feel Jacob's confusion and insecurity.

He sighed. "What are you doing next weekend, Black?"

"After patrol, nothing," Jacob grumbled, reaching for another beer.

Paul nudged him with his elbow. "Well, we should go clubbing again. You down?"

Jacob nodded as a smile finally split his face. It was the first time he'd genuinely grinned one of his innocent, sunshine smiles in hours. "Sounds good."

Too tempted to embarrass Jacob again, Paul teased, "If you don't find someone to kiss your stupid ass next weekend, maybe I'll do it myself. Somebody fucking needs to."

Jacob laughed and rolled his eyes. "Get me a little drunker, and I might let ya."

Paul blinked at him in surprise before laughing, unsure if Jacob was teasing. Mutual flirtation was about as far from their usual territory as it got. Each hid grins behind their beers as the awkward tension between them settled. Paul highly doubted 'enemies to lovers' (or potential kissers, as it might be) was what the council had in mind when forcing them to spend time together.

After finishing his beer, Paul said, "I guess we'll have to wait and see." He tossed the empty can into the truck bed and stood up. "Come on, Black. Let's get our asses home."

"Honestly, I could sleep right here," Jacob said, still staring at the cloudless sky.

Paul sighed and resumed his spot, tucking his arms behind his head, content with the idea. He couldn't wait for the following weekend.